Winter brings a completely different side of the Salish Sea to life.
As the seasons change, so does the wildlife. Wintering waterfowl arrive, diving seabirds gather across coastal waters, raptors scan the shoreline, and species that can be difficult or rarely seen from shore can be found throughout the region.
This year, we’re giving you a new way to experience it.
New for winter 2026, Seabreeze Adventures is launching Winter Birding Adventures from Steveston, BC.
Whether you’re a lifelong birder, have recently discovered a love of birds, enjoy wildlife photography, or simply want to experience the Salish Sea in a completely different season, these trips are designed for you.
Birding From a Different Perspective
There’s plenty of incredible birding to be done from shore around British Columbia, but heading onto the water opens up another perspective.
Our Winter Birding Adventures take you away from the shoreline and out onto the Salish Sea, where we’ll spend 3–4 hours exploring coastal habitats and looking for the birds and other wildlife using these waters during the winter months.
Bring your binoculars, camera, and curiosity. You never know what might be waiting around the next island, along a stretch of shoreline or out on the open water.
And you definitely don’t need to be an expert.
Experienced birders are welcome to come ready with their binoculars and bird lists, but these trips are just as much for the person who has recently started paying attention to the birds around them and wants to learn more.
No Two Birding Adventures Will Be the Same
One of our favourite things about these trips is that there is no set route.
Wildlife moves, seasons change and conditions on the Salish Sea are never exactly the same from one month to the next.
Rather than following the same itinerary each time, our crew will plan each adventure around factors including seasonal bird activity, recent sightings, tides, weather and sea conditions.
That means a November trip could look very different from one in January or March.
It also means we can explore different habitats and areas throughout the winter rather than simply travelling the same route every month.
After all, part of birding is never quite knowing what you’re going to find.
What Birds Could We See?
Winter brings an incredible variety of birdlife to the Salish Sea.
Throughout the season, we’ll be keeping watch for diving seabirds, wintering waterfowl, raptors and other coastal species, including birds that can be difficult or rarely seen from shore.
And while birds are the focus, our binoculars won’t be pointed exclusively at the sky.
The Salish Sea remains home to an incredible diversity of wildlife throughout the winter, so we’ll always be keeping an eye out for whatever else might be sharing the water with us.
These are wild animals in a huge ecosystem, which means specific species and wildlife sightings can never be guaranteed. For us, that’s part of what makes each trip interesting.
You have to go looking.
Explore the Salish Sea in Comfort
Our adventures take place aboard one of our large semi-enclosed vessels, giving you the option to move between protected indoor space and outdoor viewing areas throughout the trip.
There is also a washroom onboard, which is particularly appreciated when you're spending several hours out exploring!
Dress warmly, bring your binoculars and camera, and settle in for a winter morning on the Salish Sea.
For Lifelong Birders, New Bird Lovers, and Everyone in Between
You don't need an impressive life list to join us.
Maybe you’ve been birding for decades and can identify a species before the rest of us have even found it in our binoculars.
Maybe you bought your first pair of binoculars this year.
Maybe you're a wildlife photographer looking for new subjects during the winter.
Or maybe you simply love being outside, seeing wildlife, and learning more about the place you live or are visiting.
This trip is designed for everyone!
Our goal is to create a relaxed experience where you can spend a few hours looking, learning, photographing and enjoying whatever the Salish Sea decides to give us that day.
When Are the Winter Birding Adventures?
Our Winter Birding Adventures will run on select dates from November 2026 through March 2027, with one special birding trip offered each month.
Each trip includes:
- 3–4 hours exploring the Salish Sea
- 10:00 AM departure from Steveston, BC
- Small-group birding experience
- Semi-enclosed vessel with indoor and outdoor viewing areas
- Washroom onboard
- Routes selected according to seasonal activity, recent sightings and conditions
- $109 per person, plus applicable taxes and fees
Because winter weather on the Salish Sea can be unpredictable, safety will always come first. If conditions aren't suitable for a safe and comfortable trip, we'll offer an alternative date where possible, likely the following week and subject to availability. If the alternative doesn't work for you, a full refund will be provided.
Want the Boat to Yourself?
If you’re part of a birding club, photography group, family or group of friends looking for something more personalized, our vessels are also available for private charters.
A private trip gives your group the opportunity to create an adventure focused around the birds, wildlife and locations that interest you most.
Contact our office to learn more about private winter birding charters.
Come Birding With Us This Winter
The Salish Sea doesn't stop being wild when summer ends.
Winter simply gives us something different to look for.
So bundle up, grab your binoculars and camera, and join us as we head onto the water for the first season of Seabreeze Adventures Winter Birding Adventures.
Whether you're hoping to add something new to your bird list, photograph winter wildlife or simply spend a morning seeing the coast from a different perspective, we'd love to have you aboard.
Winter Birding Adventures are now booking for November 2026 through March 2027.